Heritage Railway operating since 1878

In 1878, construction commenced on the Port Augusta and Government Gums (now known as Farina, which is north of the Flinders Ranges) Railway. The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles or 1241 km) in 1929, establishing an important rail link to Central Australia. The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way from 1923 to 1956, and on the northern part of this route until 1980.

You can enjoy a full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway.

Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by. All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1973, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway.

We operate on selected dates from March to November each year. Check our timetable, then book online or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245). 

COVID-19 update: July 2021

Pichi Richi Railway continues to monitor and follow guidelines issued by the SA Dept of Health. All scheduled services in 2021 are expected to operate and we recommend you book as early as possible.  For tickets and availability please refer to our Bookings page.

•• Update 2 August 2021 ••  South Australia's COVID-19 lockdown ended on 28 July 2021 and the Afghan Express on Saturday 31 July 2021 ran as planned.  Passengers are required to wear face masks on board our trains.  The Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre and the Museum at Quorn Railway Station will re-open on 2 August 2021.

Our refund policy is accessible from this link.  The best way to request a refund is by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Unused tickets can also be converted into a voucher for future use, or a donation to Pichi Richi Railway.

830 Class locomotive appeal

Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society (PRRPS) is delighted to advise that it has now signed deeds to acquire former South Australian Railways (SAR) 830 class locomotives 843 (excluding broad gauge bogies) and 846 from One Rail Australia. These two locomotives will be used by PRRPS to make one operational unit, the body of 843 onto 846’s narrow gauge traction bogies. 846 and another set of narrow-gauge bogies will provide a source of spares (including traction motors interchangeable with NT76’s).

As you will see below, the original target of this appeal has been reached allowing the locomotives to be moved and batteries purchased, and work has been undertaken both at Dry Creek and Port Lincoln to disconnect 843 and 846 from their bogies.  Plans are now being finalised for the move of both loco units and 846's bogies to Quorn.  Further donations will allow body repairs and painting of 843 to occur after re-assembly on narrow gauge.  PRRPS greatly appreciates the support of our donors and sponsors in this important historic acquisition.

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